By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA – November 13, 2024

The Atlanta Dream has announced hiring Karl Smesko as the team’s new head coach, bringing one of college basketball’s most accomplished coaches to the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) franchise. Smesko, 54, joins the Dream with a reputation as an exceptional program builder, having established and developed the Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) women’s basketball program into a powerhouse.

A native of Bath, Ohio, Smesko ranks third in NCAA Division I women’s basketball history with a career-winning percentage of .843. His career totals include 672 wins. With over two decades of head coaching experience, Smesko brings a seasoned, fast-paced, and innovative approach to Atlanta.

“Karl is a proven leader with a history of developing his players and creating a winning culture,” said Dream General Manager Dan Padover. “His fast-paced, innovative style of play will be attractive to our players and fans alike. We are excited to have Karl bring his incredible basketball IQ to the Dream.”

Smesko’s success at FGCU includes leading the program from its inception in 2001 to becoming a consistent winner at both the Division II and Division I levels. In FGCU’s first season as an NCAA Division II independent in 2002-03, Smesko led the team to a remarkable 30-1 record. Under his leadership over the past 23 years, the program achieved a record of 611-110 (.847), won 14 Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN) regular season titles, claimed 11 ASUN tournament championships, and made 10 NCAA tournament appearances. His teams also secured 25-win seasons for 14 consecutive years; a feat only equaled by University of Connecticut.

Smesko’s coaching tree is equally impressive: twenty-two former players have entered the coaching profession, including three on FGCU’s current staff, and three of his former assistant coaches are now head coaches at the collegiate level.

Atlanta Dream Majority Owner Larry Gottesdiener shared his excitement over the hiring, stating, “This is an exciting moment for our fans, the city of Atlanta, and the entire Dream organization. A great basketball mind is coming to our city. Karl’s passion for and commitment to women’s basketball bring out the best in everyone around him. I am confident we have found the right leader to take our organization to the next level.”

Smesko’s prior coaching roles include successful stints at Purdue University, University of Maryland, and Walsh University, where he began his coaching career. Reflecting on his new role, Smesko expressed his gratitude for his time at FGCU and enthusiasm for his next chapter with the Dream.

“I am humbled and honored to be the head coach of the Atlanta Dream,” Smesko said. “I am grateful for a remarkable 23 years at FGCU and will be forever indebted to the amazing women who have played for me, the incredible professionals who have coached with me, and the passionate fanbase who supported us along the way. I’m thankful to the leadership of the Atlanta Dream for their faith in me to lead this organization into the future and can’t wait to get started.”

While contract details were not disclosed, Smesko’s previous contract at FGCU included a five-year rollover, earning him $440,000 in the 2022-23 season.

About the Atlanta Dream

Established in 2008, the Atlanta Dream is the only WNBA franchise in the Southeast, playing home games at Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia. The Dream’s telecasts and simulcasts are accessible statewide, with the team earning a reputation as one of the league’s competitive forces, featuring 11 WNBA All-Stars, three regular-season first-place finishes, nine playoff bids, and 3 WNBA Finals appearances. For more information, visit dream.wnba.com.